Mike Tyson has revealed that he came close to death when the Jake Paul fight was initially postponed this year.
The 58-year-old heavyweight legend recovered to make it to the ring on Friday night and was beaten by the 27-year-old YouTuber-turned-boxer in an underwhelming unanimous decision.
However it was back in March that the bout was first announced.
At that point, it was scheduled for July 20.
In June though, it was reported that Tyson had suffered an ulcer flare-up and was hospitalised as a result.
Not long later, the bout was postponed and rescheduled for November 15.
Concerns for Tyson’s health were downplayed at the time as organisers insisted he would indeed be fit to fight in November.
Now, Iron Mike has explained that the situation was far worse than many realised.
“This is one of those situations when you lost but still won,” Tyson said as he returned to social media after the defeat.
“I’m grateful for last night. No regrets to get in ring one last time.
“I almost died in June. Had eight blood transfusions.
“Lost half my blood and 25lbs in hospital and had to fight to get healthy to fight so I won.
“To have my children see me stand toe to toe and finish eight rounds with a talented fighter half my age in front of a packed Dallas Cowboy stadium is an experience that no man has the right to ask for. Thank you.”
Paul was heavily criticised for taking the fight against the 58-year-old.
However, he was praised for clearly stepping back at times and refusing to pursue a knockout when Tyson looked unsteady and tired after round three.
Paul remarked: “I wanted to give the fans a show.
“But I didn’t want to hurt someone that didn’t need to be hurt.
“There was a point where he was not engaging back, I could just tell his age was showing a little bit.
“That violence war thing, that went away as the rounds went on.
“People just love to hate me. I intentionally say things for people to hate.
“That’s what I like to do. If people want to see more… give me a couple of months. I tried to give the best fight I possibly could.
“When someone’s just surviving in the ring, it’s hard to make it exciting. I don’t care what people have to say. It is what it is.”
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